First 1911 Recommendations

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Dynasty

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Hey everyone,

I’m interested in purchasing my first 1911 pistol. I come here hoping to get some opinions on what pistol is best for me. This will not be a carry gun. This will simply be used for target shooting and plinking around. I will not be shooting competitively or putting this gun through hell in any way. I do not plan on modifying the gun besides the grips. I want a smooth and accurate shooter out of the box. I want a tight, precise, and well put together firearm. Sloppiness in the fitting of parts that make up the gun will not cut it. Does “my” 1911 exist within my budget of $750? I’m not opposed to buying a used 1911 if it is a good gun for the money, but prefer to buy new. What 1911 pistol will provide me with what I am looking for? Thanks for the help!
 
I've seen a lot of people talk highly about RRA. With 750, you can't really get into the Kimber, Les Baer, Wilson Combat, etc range. Springfield has a couple of nice 1911s that might do you right.


There are hundreds of 1911 threads...I would do some searching and look around
 
Para ordanance GI expert can be had for around 500-550. Only thing I did was add some wrap around rubber grips and chip mccormick power mags. Seems to have a good fit and match grade barrel.
 
I have only great things to say about my Taurus PT1911, it has upwards of a couple thousand rounds through it and has never had a single Malfunction, It looks good, has ambi safety and mag release already and is well put together IMO. I wouldn't Hesitate to buy another.
 
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Springfield Range Officer or other. I own 3 at various trim levels.
Colt
STI Spartan

all above, with careful shopping can be had for around $750

There is always some cheaper ones, Rock Island etc. from what I've seen they do a good job. This of course would allow more of that moeny to go to ammo and shooting. which is important to.
 
Maybe a used Colt? Springfield? Those are the brands I like (and have experience with).

Rock Island guns more than fit your budget, but I'm not sure about their quality.
 
I paid $770 for my Kimber Custom and am very happy that I did. I have 550 rounds through it and no problems at all.

I found that I shoot it much better then my XD40s.

For what it's worth, I carry it every day.
 
Get a RIA for $400, a couple mags, and a case of ammo. Then shoot

For $750 you can get a RIA and pay a smith to tune it to run like a custom gun.
 
You should be able to pick up a new Colt 1991 for around 800.
 
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The Taurus 1911 is on sale now for $450 at Larry's Pistol and Pawn in Huntsville, Alabama. Larry also runs a web site at pistolandpawn.com but I think the price is higher. He has had it at the low price of $450 for the past 2 months marked "in store only." I have been tempted but I just bought an MP40 from him. Looking at background on the Taurus, I have not been convinced it is a good buy at $450.
 
Save up some more. $750 is half way to a high end 1911, and you can get a nice Stock Colt for $1000.

The Dan Wesson Heritage is an excellent 5" 1911 for around $1100-1200. Note the serial # on DW's. I know the Valors show the year. V0144FU is a 2010Valor ($1500). Stick to the 2010+ models.
 
750 will get you into a Kimber Custom Carry II.
500 will get you into a Metro Arms Amercian Classic II
I own both, both are great weapons and I don't hesitate to grab either one for a carry gun.
The ACII is becoming my USPSA gun.

Also the Citadal for around 500 is a great gun. Same ppl make the STI.

Be warned though - There is no 12 step program for the 1911 addiction.
 
STI Spartan and 500 rounds of ammunition. Best trigger sights and reliability out of the box in it's price range, I own 6 1911s currently and my STI Trojan is the best shooter. If you just want a range pistol then consider a 1911 in 9mm, cheaper to feed and a real soft, flat shooting, fun pistol. S&W, SIG and Springfield Armory, make good entry level 1911s. If you want a range pistol I would get one with adjustable target sights.
 
I am a big fan of your first 1911 being a 5" Govt model with few if any modifications. Shoot the base platform for about 2500 rounds and then if you need to make modifications. Not enough people shoot the stock 191. They jump right into tactical versions with bells and whistles without knowning if they like or need them. If I was buying my first 1911 it would be one like this. It is a bit over your $750 budget but it will be worth it IMHO.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=577407

Colt 1991 NRM (New Roll Mark), manufactured early 2010, Series 80 1911. Upgraded and NIB, only test fired 1 magazine after Fire Control & Trigger Upgrades. Slide to frame fit for those who care is very good, much better than older Colts. Not a scratch or scuff anywhere on it. Hammer & Bushing have blueing removed to give it the stainless classic Series 70 look.

Upgrades:
-10-8/Vickers Hard Use Trigger (no overtravel screw hole in finger pad) installed and fitted
-Ed Brown Perfection Sear installed and fitted
-Cylinder & Slide Marine Corps Disconnector installed and fitted
-Handpicked Gold Medallion Rosewood Double Diamind Grips from Colt

*Trigger job done by the legendary Peter Dunn, formerly the Lead Engineer at Detonics. Trigger pull is at a very crisp 4lb, clean break & no creep at all. Ed Brown Sear and C&S Disconnector polished and fitted by Peter Dunn. Immaculate all business with class 1911.

COLT2.jpg
 
I've had good luck with Smith & Wesson's line of semi-auto pistols and I think their version of the 1911 (external extractor and all) represents a great value in terms of a well put-together, nicely finished, reliable pistol that has a decent trigger pull and is affordable to boot.
I don't know how important it is to you but my experience with Smith & Wesson coincides with many others who have reported experiencing better than average customer service from the company.
 
I bought a Kimber Custom Target about ten years ago. At $800, I probably paid too much. Still, it's the best handgun I own. I do not regret it.
 
A Springfield Loaded or Colt 70 Government (my personal favorite and just about 750 for a nice used gun, a little more new) would probably serve you well.
 
A Combat Elite is a good first 1911, it was my first 1911 and I love it and will have it forever. I've had others, base model Colt. The extra couple hundred for the enhancements is worth it, not in terms of performance, but in terms of shootability and comfort. I'm not saying save up for an Ed Brown or a Nighthawk, I think you get into diminishing returns there. But Somebody else mentioned the Dan Wesson Heritage. +1 on that. A great value.

The Springfield Range Officer gets a lot of recommendations lately, too. I've held one. Nice gun but adjustible sights are not for me.
 
Thanks for the input so far. After much reading and research, I believe the best thing is for me to physically handle a number of 1911s at different price ranges to see the difference in quality. Is spending the extra couple hundred worth it? That's what I need to decide.
 
About a year ago I saw a used Colt gold cup series 70 for $700. I still kick myself for not purchasing it but I got a great Springfield Loaded instead for $800. Im sure the 70 would have been a GREAT pistol but would have taken a little tlc to get it up to the appearance level of the loaded springfield. I will eventually get myself a series 70 or 80 gold cup...its a gotta have :)
 
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